The „Miniapolis“ day care centre at the ThyssenKrupp Quarter has capacity for approx. 100 children in mixed age groups. The technical appeal of the building follows the requirements of education- focused “Reggio Pedagogy”. In addition to promoting scientific and technical affinity this concept focuses on education in mathematical thinking, music, language and exercise. The centre point of the building features a two-storey “piazza”. This village centre is surrounded by the six group rooms.

They are complemented by a library, a wood workshop, a studio, a multi-purpose room and a computer room. Following the design principle of the campus the “rough surface” of the day care centre is generated by utilizing 3D-formed stainless steel panels that cover the building like a cloak. The vertical waves of the perforated panels transition seamlessly at all connecting sides. A special die was developed for punch-drawing the sheet, which enables a varying and continuous arrangement across the entire structure. Light and smooth surfaces were chosen for the floor, walls and ceilings of the “warm core” that contrast with the uneven outer surface.